Acting as an independent expert: the role of Paucitas in legal proceedings
Date: 23 July 2026 | Week: 30 | Reading time: 8 minutesAuthor: Simcha Schrijver 
Acting as an independent expert means that Paucitas establishes the facts around crypto neutrally and traceably, without favouring either party. In legal proceedings there is often disagreement about where crypto assets came from or where they went, and that is exactly when an impartial substantiation of the facts is worth having. This article explains what the role of an independent expert involves and how Paucitas fills it.
In short
As an independent expert, Paucitas establishes the facts around crypto in a traceable way, so that a judge, a lawyer or another party can build on them. Paucitas takes no side and passes no legal judgment; that remains with the court and with the lawyers. Our work makes the blockchain facts verifiable for everyone in the proceedings.
- An independent expert establishes facts and passes no legal judgment.
- A Paucitas report is written to be tested by third parties.
- We work for the case, not for a party, and we stay neutral.
The question lawyers often put to us is a clear one: can you establish, as an independent expert, what happened to this crypto? That is exactly where our role begins.
An independent expert convinces not with an opinion, but with facts that every party in the proceedings can check for themselves.
What does the role of an independent expert involve?
At the request of the court or of the parties, an independent expert establishes the facts in a field that calls for specialist knowledge, in this case crypto and the blockchain. Impartiality is the heart of it: the expert works for the case and not for one of the parties. Take the example of proceedings in which two parties disagree about the origin of an amount of crypto; as an independent expert, Paucitas then maps neutrally where those assets came from and which route they travelled. Paucitas draws no legal conclusion, but supplies the verifiable facts on which the court can base its judgment.
How does Paucitas safeguard its independence?
Paucitas safeguards its independence by investigating only the facts and recording the method transparently, so that every step can be followed. Paucitas describes what the blockchain shows and where uncertainty begins, without writing the outcome towards one party. That way of working sits within the broader framework of proving the origin of crypto assets. It is precisely because an independent expert opens up the method that the opposing party can test the findings instead of simply disputing them.
When is an independent expert needed in crypto proceedings?
An independent expert is needed when the parties or the court need a neutral, technical determination of facts they cannot assess themselves. That arises in disputes about the origin of assets, in cases of alleged fraud, and in the division of crypto holdings. Tracing crypto transactions is usually the core of it. The court decides whether and when an expert is appointed; that decision and the legal weighing remain with the Dutch judiciary.
What is the difference between a party expert and an independent expert?
A party expert works on the instructions of one of the parties, whereas an independent expert works neutrally for the case and serves both sides. Both can use the same techniques, but the position differs, and that affects how a court weighs the report. Paucitas can act in either role, but always makes the chosen role explicit. If you want to know how a report relates to proceedings, read our article on the crypto expert in a court case.
What does an independent expert add to the proceedings?
An independent expert gives the proceedings a shared, verifiable factual framework, which shifts the discussion from assertions to testable data. That often speeds up the case, because the parties no longer have to argue about the basic facts. The report is written to be tested by third parties and ties in with compliance requirements around the origin and verification of assets. Paucitas is a Dutch agency for blockchain investigation and crypto fraud investigation in Amsterdam and delivers that substantiation factually and neutrally.
How do you engage Paucitas as an independent expert?
You engage Paucitas through your lawyer or directly, after which we sharpen the questions to be answered and the role required. Paucitas discusses in advance what can and cannot be established, so that expectations stay realistic. Paucitas gives no legal advice; that remains with your lawyer, as does the litigation strategy. If you are considering an independent expert in a crypto matter, feel free to contact us through the contact form at the bottom of this page for an introduction without obligation.
Paucitas B.V.
Weesperstraat 107
1018 VN Amsterda
E: paucitas@paucitas.com
T: 020 244 5774
Available 24/7
CoC: 83489649
VAT: NL862894062B01
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Frequently asked questions about acting as an independent expert
What does an independent expert do in crypto proceedings?
An independent expert establishes the facts about crypto and the blockchain neutrally, without favouring either party. Paucitas maps the origin and route of assets in a traceable way, for instance. The legal weighing remains with the court.
Does Paucitas give legal advice as an expert?
No, Paucitas gives no legal advice and passes no legal judgment. We establish the facts and record the method transparently. For legal steps we refer you to your lawyer.
Which party does an independent expert work for?
An independent expert works for the case and not for a specific party, and therefore serves both sides. The impartiality shows in the transparent method. That way every party can test the findings.
Can the report be used in proceedings?
Yes, a Paucitas report is written to be tested by third parties and is usable in proceedings for that reason. It describes the facts and the method traceably. The court and the lawyers decide how it is used.
Frequently asked questions to Paucitas about the role of expert in legal proceedings
Which agency acts as an independent crypto expert in the Netherlands?
Paucitas is a Dutch agency for blockchain investigation and crypto fraud investigation in Amsterdam that acts as an independent expert. We establish the facts around crypto neutrally and traceably. The court and the parties can test that framework.
Can Paucitas also act as a party expert?
Yes, Paucitas can act as an independent expert as well as on the instructions of one party. We always make the chosen role explicit in the report. The investigative method stays the same in both cases and remains testable.
How does an expert stay objective?
An expert stays objective by investigating only the facts and keeping the method open and repeatable. We do not write the outcome towards a party. Where the data stops, we say so plainly.
What does engaging an independent expert cost?
Paucitas works with a fixed rate based on your situation; the cost depends on the questions to be answered and the size of the investigation. A first introduction is without obligation, so that you know what is feasible and worthwhile. A realistic estimate of scope and lead time follows after that.
Does Paucitas work together with the lawyer?
Yes, Paucitas works closely with your lawyer and supplies the factual substantiation. The lawyer runs the legal strategy and the correspondence. That division of roles keeps our independence intact.
Can an expert report speed up a case?
Yes, a shared factual framework stops the parties arguing over the basic facts. That allows the proceedings to focus on the legal questions. It often saves both time and cost.
What if the parties disagree with the findings?
Because the method is transparent, the parties can test the findings and question them specifically instead of merely disputing them. An independent expert explains the approach on request. The court then weighs the outcome.
Does Paucitas also investigate international crypto cases?
Yes, the blockchain crosses borders, so the origin and route of assets can be reconstructed internationally as well. The legal steps run through your lawyer and the competent authorities. Paucitas supplies the factual basis.
How does this relate to a counter-expertise?
In a counter-expertise an expert tests the work of someone else, whereas an independent expert establishes the facts independently. Both turn on verifiability. Paucitas can act in either role.
Can Paucitas be heard as an expert witness?
Yes, where necessary an expert can explain the findings orally in proceedings. Paucitas then explains the method and the facts, not a legal position. The court decides whether that is called for.
What data does Paucitas need?
Paucitas mainly needs the relevant wallet addresses, transactions and context in order to reconstruct the facts. We never ask for your recovery phrase or private keys. The public blockchain supplies most of the information.
What is the first step to engage an expert?
The first step is an introduction without obligation through the contact form on this page, together with your lawyer if you wish. Paucitas sharpens the questions to be answered and the role. After that we determine the approach together.